To this entire community….

I don’t even know where to begin. Losing almost my entire collection in the fire was heartbreaking—baseball cards have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my best childhood memories are tied to this hobby. Ripping open packs with friends, chewing that rock-hard, decades-old bubble gum like it was a badge of honor, making weekend trips to the local card shop with our parents, eyes wide at the sight of glass cases filled with cards we could only dream of owning. Flipping through binders, trading with friends, carefully tucking cards into sleeves like they were treasures—because to us, they were.

Even as I got older, collecting never stopped being a part of me. It became more than just a hobby; it was an escape, a source of joy, and a connection to my past. So when the fire took nearly everything, it felt like losing a piece of myself. But even in the midst of all of that, I know how fortunate I am—my family is safe, and at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters. Things could have been so much worse, and I remind myself of that every day. But still, losing something that has been such a big part of my life for so long was incredibly tough.

What I never expected was the kindness that followed. The support I’ve received from this community has been overwhelming in the best way possible. The messages, the encouragement, the packages filled with cards—each one chosen with thought and care—have meant more to me than I can even put into words. You didn’t have to do any of this, yet so many of you went out of your way to help a complete stranger during one of the most stressful times of his life.

This isn’t just a hobby. This is a family. And in a time when everything felt uncertain, you all reminded me of the good in people, the strength of this community, and the fact that baseball cards are about so much more than just cardboard—they’re about the stories, the friendships, and the connections we share. I will be sending personal letters out to everyone that has sent items my way.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will never forget this.